New Haven Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Nursing homes and long-term care facilities are meant to provide a safe environment where elderly loved ones receive the proper care they deserve. Unfortunately, instances of nursing home neglect and abuse still happen.

If your family member or loved one is a victim of nursing home negligence, it’s essential to seek legal guidance from an experienced nursing home negligence attorney. They can help you hold responsible parties accountable and pursue financial compensation for the harm caused.

Why Hire Nursing Home Law Center

At Nursing Home Law Center, we are dedicated to seeking maximum compensation for those affected by nursing home abuse. Our skilled legal team has a strong history of achieving substantial settlements and verdicts while treating each case with care and respect.

Types of Cases Handled by Our New Haven Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers

Nursing home abuse occurs when nursing home residents experience intentional harm, neglect, or exploitation by caregivers or fellow residents, leading to physical, emotional, or financial suffering. Our New Haven attorneys handle a wide range of abuse and neglect cases to help families protect their loved one’s rights and seek justice for any mistreatment.

Physical Abuse

Physical elder abuse in an assisted living facility includes any use of force that causes injury or distress to residents. This type of abuse can involve hitting, shoving, or the inappropriate use of restraints to control a resident’s movements.

Mental and Emotional Abuse

Mental and emotional elder abuse involves any action that causes psychological harm to a nursing home resident. This form of abuse may include yelling, threats, humiliation, or intimidation, leaving residents feeling isolated, fearful, and anxious.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse in nursing facilities is a deeply distressing form of abuse where a resident is forced into non-consensual sexual acts. This violation may involve unwanted touching, assault, or coercion by staff members or other residents.

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice in nursing homes often involves inadequate medical care that leads to severe injuries or complications. Examples include bedsores, medication errors, or failure to monitor residents’ health conditions.

Negligence

Negligence in a long-term care facility occurs when staff fails to provide adequate care, leading to unsanitary conditions, malnutrition, dehydration, or incidents where residents wander off the facility (known as elopement).

Financial Abuse

Financial exploitation occurs when someone wrongfully uses a resident’s finances through theft, fraud, or manipulation, often taking advantage of the resident’s trust or impaired judgment. This abuse may include unauthorized access to bank accounts, pressure to alter wills, or unnecessary service charges.

Wrongful Death

Wrongful death cases occur when the actions or neglect of nursing home staff directly result in a resident’s death, whether from abuse, poor medical care, or severe neglect.

Understanding Your Legal Rights

Nursing home residents have essential rights under federal and state laws to protect their safety, dignity, and quality of life.

The Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987 requires all nursing homes that receive Medicare or Medicaid funding to provide quality care and maintain an environment free from abuse.

In addition to federal protections, Connecticut has specific laws to protect nursing home patients. Connecticut’s Patient Bill of Rights emphasizes residents’ right to receive proper medical care, live in a safe and clean environment, and be free from exploitation or abuse by staff or fellow residents.

When nursing home neglect or abuse occurs, certain individuals can take legal action on behalf of the victim. These individuals include family members, legal guardians, and other designated representatives.

Liability in Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse Cases 

In nursing home neglect and abuse cases, multiple parties may bear responsibility for the harm inflicted on a resident. Liability extends beyond individual staff members and can include the nursing home, management companies, medical providers, and even third-party contractors.

How Our New Haven Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys Can Help

At Nursing Home Law Center, our experienced nursing home attorneys are committed to helping families navigate the legal process after a loved one has suffered abuse or neglect. We have a proven track record of securing maximum compensation for nursing home neglect or abuse victims.

Free Case Evaluation

We begin by offering a free consultation, allowing you to discuss the details of your loved one’s situation. This initial case review allows our team to understand the abuse or neglect they endured and advise you on potential legal options, with no obligation or upfront fees.

Case Investigation

Our attorneys conduct an in-depth investigation to uncover evidence of abuse, neglect, or nursing home negligence. We gather medical records, interview witnesses, and review facility inspection reports to build a strong case that highlights the impact of the abuse and the liable parties involved.

Filing the Claim

Once the necessary evidence is collected, our attorneys will file a legal claim against the responsible parties. This step involves careful documentation of the harm inflicted on the nursing home resident and a comprehensive demand for compensatory damages to cover medical expenses, pain and suffering, and any financial losses due to abuse.

Settlement Negotiation

Our New Haven neglect lawyers are skilled negotiators, working tirelessly to reach a fair settlement with the facilities or their insurance providers. We advocate for our clients to secure compensation for the harm caused, sparing families the stress of a prolonged legal battle whenever possible.

Trial Representation

Our attorneys are prepared to take your case to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached. With extensive courtroom experience, we provide diligent representation to present a compelling case to the judge and jury, fighting to achieve justice and financial compensation for your loved one.

Common Signs of Elder Abuse Among Nursing Home Residents 

Of the 77 Medicare-approved nursing homes in New Haven, 31 facilities (40%)  struggle to meet average standards, receiving below or much-below-average ratings. Specifically, 33 nursing homes (43%) fall short in health inspections, and 26 facilities (34%) have inadequate staffing levels. Twenty-nine nursing homes (38%) rated poorly in terms of quality measures. [1]

Abuse and neglect can manifest in many ways. Family members should be alert to changes in their loved one’s behavior, physical appearance, or health that could indicate mistreatment. Common examples of nursing home negligence and abuse include: 

• Unexplained injuries
• Emotional withdrawal
• Fear of certain staff members
• Poor personal hygiene
• Malnutrition
• Dehydration
• Bedsores (pressure ulcers)
• Sudden changes in finances
• Worsening health conditions

The worst-rated nursing homes in New Haven include:

What to Do If You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse

If you suspect a loved one is experiencing abuse or neglect in a nursing facility, taking immediate action can help secure their well-being and hold those responsible accountable.

• Call 911 if There is Immediate Danger: Emergency responders can help ensure their safety and address any immediate medical needs.
• Report to Nursing Home Administrator or Management: They are responsible for the facility’s operations and resident care. Reporting your concerns also initiates an internal investigation. Be sure to document your complaint, noting the date, time, and names of those you speak with.
• File a Complaint with Your Local Ombudsman’s Office: The local Ombudsman’s office advocates for nursing home residents and resolves complaints about care quality, neglect, and abuse.
• Contact a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer: A skilled attorney can guide you through the legal process, investigate the abuse, and pursue compensation for medical costs, emotional trauma, and other damages.

Contact a New Haven Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Today!

With years of experience handling nursing home neglect and abuse cases, our team at Nursing Home Law Center is dedicated to fighting for justice and compensation on behalf of victims and their loved ones. 

We understand the challenges families face in these situations and offer compassionate, comprehensive support to help you seek the justice your loved one deserves. Our law firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless we win your case.

Contact us to protect your loved one’s rights and ensure they receive the care and respect they deserve. Call (800) 926-7565 or fill out our contact form.

References: [1] Medicare